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PRESENTATION AND UNVEILING 

OF THE 
COMMEMORATING 

THE LINCOLN AND 
BURNS EVENT 

(NOVEMBER 19, 1863) 







HELD AT THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 
GETTYSBURG, PA., NOV. 19TH, 1914. 



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FEB 14 19(6 









THE 
LINCOLN AND BURNS 

EVENT 



The contents of this booklet in great 
part from the "Gettysburg Com- 
piler" issue, November 28, 191 4. 



/ COPYRIGHT, 1916 \ 

V J. W. JOHNSTON, ROCHESTER, N. Y. / 



PRIVATELY PRINTED. DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE PRESS. 



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PHOTO BY TIPTON, GETTYSBURG, PA. 



THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 
Gettysburg, Pa. 



THE LINCOLN AND BURNS EVENT 



MEMORIAL TABLETS UNVEILED IN 
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 



Unique Ceremony in which Recollections of a 
Number of Citizens were Given. 



The Fifty-first Anniversary of President 
Lincoln and John Burns attending the Presby- 
terian Church in Gettysburg, Pa., on the evening 
of November 19, 1863, when Lieutenant Gov- 
ernor-elect Anderson, of Ohio, made an address 
in the church, was appropriately observed on 
Thursday evening, Nov. 19, 1914. The Tablets 
unveiled marking the pew in which Lincoln and 
Burns sat were donated by John White Johnston, 
of Rochester, N. Y., and the Tablet on outside of 
church was presented by Col. E. B. Cope. The 
church was crowded and there was a good rep- 

Page J 



reservation of those who lived in the town fifty- 
one years ago and of a few who had attended the 
exercises at that time. 

The exercises were opened by a solo, "Battle 
Hymn of the Republic", by J. S. Nicholas. 

Rev. J. B. Baker, pastor of St. James 
Lutheran Church offered prayer. 




ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 



Page 



ADDRESS OF DR. T. G. BILLHEIMER. 

Dr. T. C. Billheimer made the first address on 
"Lincoln" at Gettysburg". In opening Dr. Bill- 
heimer stated that he would limit his remarks to 
the presence of President Lincoln in the Presby- 
terian Church, saying : "It was on the afternoon 
of the day on which the address had been deliv- 
ered I was standing on the pavement on the oppo- 
site side of the street when the procession came 
headed for this church. We had been told that 
President Lincoln and a few of the great men of 
Washington would be there. I stood on the pave- 
ment but did not have to wait long until the pro- 
cession came. The only thing that has remained 
in my memory is President Lincoln and John 
Burns walking side by side up the street to this 
church. 

The President was a tall man and Mr. Burns 
a small man and as they came along I was 
amused. I could not help being amused. I 
laughed and laughed aloud. Lincoln took enor- 
mous strides and Mr. Burns could not take 
strides like that. He could not keep step with the 
President. 

I instantly resolved that I would get into this 
church and I was not more than ten feet behind 

Page 3 



President Lincoln. Several pews had been re- 
served for the distinguished party. Mr. Lincoln 
went up the right or south aisle and stopped at 
the first vacant pew, instead of going to the front 
pew, and he stepped aside to allow three or four 
of his party to enter the pew, and then took the 
aisle seat. John Burns sat beside President 
Lincoln. I sat several pews behind the President 
but on the other side of the aisle and in an aisle 
seat. My eyes were glued upon the President. I 
had never seen a live President and never one 
like Lincoln, whose greatness was on every 
tongue. I fixed my eyes on him, sometimes I had 
a rear view, sometimes a side view when he 
turned and I never took my eyes from him. I 
can not recollect what the speaker said nor can 
I tell what the speaker looked like. I only know 
I kept my eyes on President Lincoln all the time. 
When the address was over the audience was 
asked to remain standing until President Lincoln 
and his party left the church. I stood up in my 
pew as this great man walked towards me and 
fixed my eyes on that marvelous face. I can 
vouch for the fact that President Lincoln was 
in this church that day because I saw him and 
what a man sees he can stand by. I think you 
are as near right in selecting the pew as can be. 
In closing may I say I am glad I saw him. I am 

Page I 



glad I was permitted to behold a man like Presi- 
dent Lincoln. This is not the only time I saw 
Lincoln but somehow his presence here made an 
impression on me that has never left me." 

* * * * * * * :': 




ENGRAVED BY WILLIAM PERINE. 



JOHN BURNS. 

Col. James K. P. Scott, of Gettysburg, the 
esteemed and honored friend of Lyman Whitney 
Allen, read the Poem "John Burns of Gettys- 
burg". 



Page 5 



JOHN BURNS OF GETTYSBURG. 



There near the buildings of MacPherson's farm, 

Beside the road, on graven granite base, 

A form in bronze is standing. All who pass 

Pause reverently, and rehearse the tale 

Of the old Constable of Gettysburg, 

Who, as the First Corps moved along the pike, 

Strode forth and claimed the soldier's privilege. 

He wore no uniform. Civilian hat 

Shadowed his whitened hair and shaggy brow. 

A simple suit, which he was wont to use 

In daily civic service, clothed his form. 

A rifle in his hand, a powder horn 

Across his shoulder swung, his pockets filled 

With shot for instant use, his aged frame 

Quivering with hate and valor, — thus he stood, 

'Mid martial laughter, scorning wounds and death. 

Who could restrain or who could chide him there, — 

That incarnation of the People's soul? 

Into the fight he plunged, — that stubborn fight 

Where warriors strove contesting inch by inch 

The earth fast licking up heroic blood 

And mutinous with shock of falling forms. 

He fought as only aged men can fight 

Whose second youth hath risen through violence. 

He faltered not, but standing recklessly 

He poured his eager shot into the foe, 

Laying a gray-hued harvest round his feet. 

At last, thrice wounded, he was borne away 
Ready to die, undying, living on 
Into the Nation's peace full many a year, 
And known afar, "Hero of Gettysburg." 

Page 6 



And they who, like the captains of brave men. 
E'er love and praise what in the old man's soul 
Rose on that day a glory wrought of God, 
And know it as the Nation's altar fire 
Within a People's millioned hearts and homes, 
Have placed yon statue bold upon the field 
Near to the gallant Reynolds, symbol true 
Of civic patriotism. 'Twas well done. 

II 

When later in that following Autumn tide, 

The afternoon of that immortal day 

Of dedication of the Cemetery, 

Swathed in the splendor of his great address 

Lincoln walked forth to the historic church 

For worshipful exalting of God's grace, 

'Twas this same patriotic Constable 

Who trod beside him, sat in the same pew, 

Received from the Republic's honored Chief 

High recognition ne'er to be forgot, 

A coronal of sweet remembrance. 

And in the historic church, 'midst memories 

Of soldier mounds and healing oil and wine 

Poured forth at hands of Good Samaritans, 

A Tablet, gift of patriot reverence, 

Fell one and fifty years thereafter placed, 

Adorns the pew, and tells both name and fame 

Of the immortals who were seated there. 

And they who worship there from week to week 
Feel a fine atmosphere of sacredness 
Fanning the incense flames of sacrifice, 
Waking new music in the house of praise. 

LYMAN WHITNEY ALLEN. 



Page 7 




PHOTO BY TIPTON, GETTYSBURG, PA. 



REV. HENRY GRAHAM FINNEY, 

Pastor, Presbyterian Church, 

Gettysburg, Pa— 1861-1864. 



Page 



PRESENTATION ADDRESS OF 

COL. E. B. COPE, READ BY 

JUDGE S. McG. SWOPE. 



Judge S. McC. Swope, representing Col. E. 
B. Cope, who was unable to be present on account 
of illness, then read the letter presenting the Lin- 
coln Tablet on the outside of the church, as 
follows : 

"I was not at Gettysburg when the National 
Cemetery was dedicated. I had a small party 
of topographers here August, September and 
October, 1863. So we just missed the dedication. 

The President attended this church on that 
occasion and many of the members and others 
thought it proper that a Tablet should be put up 
to state this. I consulted with the pastor and 
some of the congregation, and as a representative 
of the session prepared a design for a Tablet with 
inscription, which, with some changes, was ap- 
proved. I had this cast in bronze, and put on the 
front of the building. 

I take pleasure in presenting this Tablet to the 
church. 

E. B. COPE." 

Page 9 




PHOTO BY TIPTON, GETTYSBURG, PA. 

COL. E. B. COPE 



[Col. Cope enlisted June 4, 1861, in Co. A, 1st 
Penna. Reserve Division and was promoted to 
sergeant about 1862 and transferred three 
months later to Co. C, 5th U. S. Regular Artil- 
lery. He returned to the original Division, then 
detailed by order of Gen. Halleck to the Topo- 
graphical Engineer Headquarters of the Army of 
the Potomac. Served under Gen. Warren, Chief 



Pare 10 



of Engineers. Promoted to captain and A. D. C. 
on Warren's staff, who was put in command of 
the 5th Corps, and served in that capacity until 
Maj. Roebling resigned to build the Brooklyn 
Bridge when he was given his rank and place, 
i. e., Major and A. D. C, and about the close of 
the war was given the brevet rank of Lieut. Col. 
He was mustered out July, 1865. His commis- 
sion bears the name of Abraham Lincoln. He 
came to Gettysburg in July, 1893, as Chief En- 
gineer of the Gettysburg National Park.] 



The organist played softly the music of "My 
Country Tis of Thee" while two little girls, 
Martha Bell and Katherine Hill, dressed in white 
and with red, white and blue ribbons, unveiled 
the flag, with autumnal foliage, from the Lincoln 
and Burns Memorial Tablets on the pew in the 
church. 



UNVEILING OF THE TABLETS 
ON LINCOLN PEW. 



Rev. F. E. Taylor, pastor of the Presbyterian 
Church, said the interest of this community is 
shown in the presence of the audience, this even- 
ing, as a tribute to the great men who were here 

Page U 




IOTO BY TIPTON, GETTYSBURG, PA. 



FRANKLIN ELLSWORTH TAYLOR, 

Pastor, Presbyterian Church, 
Gettysburg, Pa. 1911—. 

fifty-one years ago. That the pew is now marked 
is due to J. W. Johnston of Rochester, and the 
tablet on the outside to Col. E. B. Cope. 

Mr. Johnston, being introduced, spoke as 
follows : 



Page 7. 



PRESENTATION ADDRESS OF 
JOHN WHITE JOHNSTON. 



"No poor words of mine on this occasion can 
add to the truth nor to the beauty of what has 
already been said, nor to what will be said by the 
speakers who are to follow me, relative to the 
greatness of the two men in whose memory these 
Tablets are now unveiled. 

John Burns was of my kith. He was of 
humble birth and station, a humble artisan, a 
servant of this little town, which by his heroism 
at an hour of the country's greatest need, he 
helped to make celebrated and known to the ends 
of the earth. Incidentally, he also helped to make 
the name 'Gettysburg' synonymous with the 
thought of the perpetuation of the union of these 
American States. 

It is with all the fullness of my heart, Mr. 
Chairman and Gentlemen of the Board of Trus- 
tees, that I bestow upon you as the representa- 
tives of this congregation, these Tablets to have 
and to hold by you and your successors while 
this sacred edifice stands and remains a haven of 
devotion for those who love the name of Christ 

Page 13 



and for those who love the names of Abraham 
Lincoln and John Burns. 

It is in recognition and as a mark of the great 
President's democracy; in the acknowledgement 
of a simple act of kindness on his part; also, in 
appreciation of Lincoln's unbounded love for his 
fellow man, that these memorials now pass into 
the possession of this church, honored for all 
time by the great Emancipator's presence here 
just fifty-one years ago. 

In taking the arm of the humble, yet the truly 
brave and ever patriotic, John Burns and in 
sitting beside him in the pew now appropriately 
marked — after having spoken his immortal words 
at the Cemetery of the honored dead — Abraham 
Lincoln, the man of the people, the man of God, 
again subscribed to his faith in the creed of an- 
other Burns, who said in words more enduring 
than letters of bronze : 

"For a' that, and a' that, 

It's coming yet, for a' that. 
That man to man, the warld o'er 
Shall brothers be for a' that !" 



Page 14 




PHOTO BY PIRIE MAC DONALD, N. Y. 



JOHN WHITE JOHNSTON. 



Pare 15 



ACCEPTANCE OF 

MEMORIAL TABLETS 

BY REV. F. E. TAYLOR. 



"On Thursday, November 19, 1914, we com- 
memorate the meeting held in this building, and 
attended by President Lincoln and his staff, ac- 
companied by the patriot, John Burns, on Thurs- 
day, November 19, 1863. 

But for the initiative of Mr. David Wills, 
we would not be assembled for this significant 
service. As President of the Soldiers' National 
Cemetery Association at Gettysburg, Judge Wills 
had charge of all the arrangements for the dedi- 
cation of the Cemetery, and it was on his official 
invitation that President Lincoln came to Gettys- 
burg on that occasion. 

Judge Wills suggested and was largely instru- 
mental in bringing to fruition the patriotic meet- 
ing which was held in this church on the day of 
the dedication of the Cemetery. 

He entertained President Lincoln in his home 
on Centre Square, and arranged that Mr. Lincoln 
attend this meeting here. 

Grateful acknowledgement of these facts is 

Page 16 



owed Judge Wills and we mention them as a 
fitting tribute to him. 

During the celebration of the Fiftieth Anni- 
versary of the Battle of Gettysburg special serv- 
ices were held in this church and on the happy 
suggestion of Dr. C. B. Stauffer, then chairman 
of the Trustees, the silk flag presented to the 
Sunday School by the State Convention of the 
Women's Relief Corps, was used to mark the 
pew occupied by President Lincoln at the meet- 
ing in '63. 

Mr. J. W. Johnston, of Rochester, N. Y., an 
enthusiastic student and lecturer on this battle, 
was one of the many attendants on that occa- 
sion, and evidently carried away a patriotic idea. 
The Pastor of the church participated with others 
on request of Mr. Johnston, in a memorial serv- 
ice at the grave of John Burns on last July 2nd, 
just fifty-one years after his heroism at the great 
battle. 

For this service Mr. Johnston wrote his 
friend, Mr. J. Louis Sowers, offering through 
him to the pastor and congregation of this 
church a memorial Tablet for the Lincoln Memo- 
rial pew. This offer revived an idea which had 
been frequently discussed by local friends of the 
church — that of placing a Lincoln Tablet on the 
front of the church. After the marker to the 

Page 17 



Cavalry hospitals, now in place on the front ter- 
race, was assured, at a meeting of Session the 
placing of a Tablet near the entrance door of the 
church was earnestly considered. All thought it 
should be done. Col. E. B. Cope announced that 
he would place it, and in due time the Tablet, the 
gift of Col. Cope, was erected. It bears this 
inscription : 



ABRAHAM LINCOLN 

Occupied a Seat in this Church 

November 19, 1863 

On the Day He Dedicated the 

National Cemetery and Made His 

Immortal Address. 



This Tablet had just been placed when Mr. 
Johnston's offer came to us. I need not tell you 
that his proffered gift was heartily accepted. 

In the correspondence which followed, the 
idea grew in Mr. Johnston's mind. First he 
offered a Tablet to mark the panel of the Lincoln 
pew, then a Tablet to the memory of John Burns, 
and, later, a second plate to Mr. Lincoln, marking 
the back of the pew. Accordingly we unveil 
three Tablets in the church this evening. One on 
the back of the pew bears these words : 



THE LINCOLN PEW 



Page 18 



A large Tablet on the panel of the end of 
the pew carries the inscription : 



ABRAHAM LINCOLN 

Sat in this Pew at a Patriotic 

Service held on the Evening of 

the Day He Dedicated the 

National Cemetery 



A third Tablet marks the seat occupied by 
John Burns, and declares: 



JOHN BURNS 

Scottish American Patriot 

A Hero of the Battle of Gettysburg 

Was Here Signally Honored by 

the Great President 

Abraham Lincoln and John Burns 
walked arm in arm to patriotic ser- 
vices held in this edifice on the evening 
of Nov. 19th, 1863. They sat together 
in this pew. 



The unanimous sentiment of this congrega- 
tion and, I may say, of this community, is one of 
abounding gratitude to the generous and disinter- 
ested donors of these memorials. 

The position taken by President Lincoln, pew 
64, has been fixed after a canvass and a careful 
consideration by the trustees of all the state- 
ments that have been made to them. 

In behalf of the Presbyterian Church and of 
the entire community I accept these memorial 



Page 19 



Tablets, the gift of Col. E. B. Cope and Mr. J 
W. Johnston, and express the most hearty appre- 
ciation of the people at Gettysburg for these abid- 
ing memorials to our martyred and exalted Presi- 
dent and to a patriot hero here so highly honored. 













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Wmw0WH&' ' 'MQt' 



PHOTO BY TIPTON, GETTYSBURG, PA. 



THE LINCOLN PEW 



P«P7? 20 



VOCAL SOLO BY MR. NICHOLAS. 



J. S. Nicholas then sang the "Star Spangled 
Banner''. 



ADDRESS BY JUDGE WM. MacLEAN. 

John Burns was born in New Jersey in 1794, 
came to Pennsylvania, followed the trade of 
shoemaker, was elected one of the two Constables 
of the borough of Gettysburg, March 20, 1857, 
and made his regular quarterly returns to the 
Court of Quarter Sessions. Several of his re- 
turns as constable were exhibited showing his 
signature. Some of the characteristics of Burns 
as being a man without humor, and the butt of 
many jokes of his fellow townsmen were re- 
ferred to. Passing over the important event of 
his participation as a civilian in the Battle of 
Gettysburg, July 1st, 1863, and of his accompany- 
ing President Lincoln to the meeting held in this 
church on the evening of Thursday, Nov. 19th, 
1863, we find that he made his last will and testa- 
ment in writing, bearing date the 13th day of 
Jan., 1872; that his death occurred shortly after 
that date, within thirty days, his will being pro- 

/'ao-e 21 



bated on the 7th day of February, 1872, before 
the Register of Wills of Adams County, his will 
being witnessed by David A. Buehler and Robert 
McCurdy. His wife, Barbara, had pre-deceased 
him about four years, and she was some five 
years his junior in age. He and his wife are 
both buried on the southern slope of our beauti- 
ful city of the dead, and our Post No. 9, G. A. R., 
erected over their graves a becoming granite 
monument, having on its base the significant and 
appropriate word "Patriot". His estate accord- 
ing to the inventory and appraisement thereof is 
as follows: 

1— One gun $ 5.00 

2— Cane 3.00 

3— Stove 4.00 

4— Bedstead 1.00 

5 — Box Books .25 

6 — 46 acres real estate in 
Mt. Pleasant Township 
at $33 per acre 1518.00 

$1531.25 

His entire personal estate being of the value 
of $13.25. 

By his will he bequeathed to Mary Jane Wil- 
son, daughter of his adopted daughter, Martha, 
and living at the date of his will with Henry 
Chritzman in Gettysburg, the sum of $800, and 
providing that should this girl die without marry- 

Pane 22 



ing or before she becomes twenty-one years of 
age, the bequest is to become void and the legacy 
is to revert to -his estate, and then he gives all his 
estate to the trustees of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church of Gettysburg to be appropriated by them 
as they may deem best, in advancing and promot- 
ing the cause of religion in connection with the 
Methodist Church. 

Of this will he appointed Robert Martin of 
Gettysburg the executor, and authorized him to 
sell all his real and personal estate at public or 
private sale as he may deem best. 

The Methodist Church could not have re- 
ceived the legacy of $800 under the law on 
account of the short interval between the making 
of the will and the death of the testator. The 
$800 was distributed to Mary Jane Wilson who 
in 1875 was a minor under the age of fourteen 
years and Robert D. Armor was appointed her 
trustee by the ( )rphans' Court of this county. 

The death of John L. Burns occurred at the 
residence of a nephew, Mr. Hagarman, near 
Bonneauville, this county on Sunday morning, 
February 4, 1872, from pneumonia, after a short 
attack. His body was interred in the Evergreen 
Cemetery on Monday with the honors of war, the 
Gettysburg Zuoaves turning out on the occasion. 
His age was about seventy-eight years. He came 

I'aze 23 



to this country more than forty years before his 
death and married here. His connection with the 
Battle of Gettysburg served to "spread his fame 
throughout the land" and it becoming known that 
he was without means, brought him many con- 
tributions, aggregating several thousand dollars. 




MR. J. LOUIS SOWERS, MR. J. W. JOHNSTON 
and REV. F. E. TAYLOR 

at the Grave of John L. Burns, Nov. 20. 1914 



/'a^e 24 



Residents of Gettysburg and vicinity photo- 
graphed at the unveiling of the Memorials, who 
in several instances recalled the visit of Abraham 
Lincoln to Gettysburg in 1863, were as follows :— 

Mr. Oliver H. Benner 
Mrs. Annie E. Cobean 
Mr. Henry Dustman 
Mr. John Hamilton 
Miss Mary Kendlehart 
Mrs. Jacob Kitz miller 
Mrs. Theo MacAlister 
Hon. Wm. MacLean 
Rev. Robert MacLean 
Miss Kate McCreary 
Mr. James MacIlhenny 
Mr. John K. MacIlhenny 
Mr. Wm. A. MacIlhenny 
Mr. Oscar D. MacMillan 
Mr. John E. Pitzer 
Mr. David Plank 
Mr. Samuel D. Reck 
Mrs. Ellen Rupp 
Miss Amanda Sandoe 
Mr. Daniel A. Skelly 
Mrsi 1. S. Stoxesifer 
Mrs. Wm. Tawney 

Page 25 




PHOTO BY TIPTON, GETTYSBURG, PA. 

GROUP OF GETTYSBURG RESIDENTS 

Several of whom recalled the Lincoln-Burns Event of 1863 
on the occasion of the unveiling of the Tahlets, 1914. 



Page 26 



REMINISCENCES. 



Reminiscences closed the meeting by residents 
of Gettysburg who remembered the exercises at 
the dedication at the National Cemetery, Nov. 
19th, 1863, and the patriotic services at the 
church following, when Abraham Lincoln, the 
President, signally honored John Burns, the man, 
and John Burns, the soldier. The first was a 
letter from Hon. Wm. T. Ziegler, read by Prof. 
J. Louis Sowers : 

CAPT. ZIEGLER'S LETTER. 

Gettysburg, Pa., Nov. 19, 1914. 

I sincerely thank you for your very kind invi- 
tation to be with you to-night but after my recent 
severe illness, I deem it best not to venture out 
after night unless it be absolutely necessary. 

The object of your meeting is a noble one. 
The Church at Alexandria, Va., and St. Michael's 
Church at Charleston, S. C, point with pride 
to the pew where the Father of our Country sat 
and worshipped God. So in centuries to come, 
the Presbyterian Church in Gettysburg will point 
with pride to the pew in which Abraham 
Lincoln sat, and thanked God for our victory at 
Gettysburg. 

Page 27 



Too much cannot be said in eulogy of this 
great man, whom God had raised up in the 
wilderness of a new nation for the special pur- 
pose to restore our nation and place it on a foun- 
dation that cost the blood of a half million men 
to build, and where let us hope, it will forever 
stand. 

I am glad in my soul that away back more 
than fifty-three years ago, I answered his first 
appeal for three year volunteers, and helped to 
shout back to him, 'We are coming Father 
Abraham, 300,000 strong". 

Your work to-night is a worthy tribute to a 
great and good man, whom we are all so proud of. 

So far as John Burns is concerned, I am 
proud that he was a citizen of our town, and I 
believe every person living here feels just as I 
do, and if I were with you to-night, I know no 
words I could utter in the praise of this Hero of 
Gettysburg, more suitable at this time, than to 
read to you what Gen. Doubleday said of him in 
his official report of the first day's battle on July 
1st, 1863. 

Concerning John Burns, he said : "My thanks 
are specially due to a citizen of Gettysburg, 
named John Burns who, although over seventy 
years of age, shouldered his musket and offered 
his services to Colonel Wistar of the 150th Penn- 

Page 28 



sylvania Volunteers. Col. Wistar advised him to 
light in the woods as there was more shelter 
there but he preferred to join our line of 
skirmishers in the open held. 

When the troops retired he fought with the 
Iron Brigade. He was wounded in three places. 

Signed, 

A. DOUBLED AY, 
Maj. Gen. of Volunteers. 

To Brigadier General S. Williams, 
Asst. Adjutant General, Headquar- 
ters Army of the Potomac." 

With much respect, I am, 

Very truly yours, 

W. T. ZIEGLER, 




Page 29 



HON. WM. H. TIPTON. 



I do not think that I should consume any of 
the valuable time that appears to be so limited, 
and especially when there are others here whose 
reminiscences would be more interesting. Owing 
to my youth and inexperience I was incapable of 
fully appreciating the important events that were 
transpiring, but my eagerness to see and hear the 
President — whom I regarded as much above all 
other men, and second only to the Almighty — 
centered all my attention on Mr. Lincoln and no 
word or movement of his escaped my attention. 

I had heard that Mr. Lincoln was the 
homeliest man in the country, but when my eyes 
beheld that sad but kindly countenance, those 
strong rugged features seemed handsome to me. 
I did not see him come to this church nor did I 
see him here. While leaning out of the window 
of our business place, and almost immediately 
above him, I heard the few remarks he made 
from the steps of Judge Wills' home on the 
evening of Nov. 18. I saw him ride to the 
cemetery; and heard his great address and my 
recollection is that there was but slight applause 
at its conclusion. Mr. Lincoln's sad face and 

Page 30 



the solemnity of the occasion, seemed to forbid 
any excessive demonstration. 

John Burns I knew from early childhood, and 
enjoyed many of the pranks that were played 
upon him by the workmen in the various carriage 
building shops. With the other mischievous boys 
of that time I did my share of lively sprinting 
when the old borough Constable detected us at 
our pranks. 

I saw John Burns start out the old road with 
his flint lock and powder horn on the morning of 
July 1, 1863. With a party of boys I had started 
for Seminary Ridge and we were standing oppo- 
site his home at the house now occupied by 
David McGuigan. I recollect that in the party 
with others were Harry Schick, Wesley Kitz- 
miller, Alex. Baugher and possibly Geo. Ziegler 
and Charles Sheads. The two latter I know were 
with us when we skedaddled back to town after 
the battle opened. 

John Burns became very abusive to Joseph 
Broadhead, a one-eyed neighbor of his, insisting 
on his getting a gun and going along and upon his 
refusal called him a "coward — chicken-hearted." 
Miss Mary Slentz hearing Burns came out of her 
home next door and rebuked him for his abuse 
of Broadhead and advised him to stay home. 

Page 31 



When he started out he may have worn a blue 
coat, but we did not see it as he wore a long 
linen duster. The white hat is a myth ; he wore 
a high crowned felt hat. The last of that particu- 
lar pattern that I can now recall was worn by 
Alexander Cobean, which was doubtless familiar 
to many who are here. I assisted in photograph- 
ing him a few days after the battle at his home, 
and after he was convalescent, at the studio. A 
few years later I got to know him well. We asso- 
ciated in an organization to which we both be- 
longed, the Sons of Temperance. He was a 
zealous advocate of the temperance cause. On 
that early day in February, '72, I saw five or six 
sleighs that formed his funeral cortege come 
slowly up York street and pass out Baltimore 
street to Evergreen Cemetery where the Zouaves 
were in waiting to give him a military funeral. 
I thank you and will not consume more of your 
time. 

HON. WM. H. TIPTON, 
Ex-Member Pa. Legislature. 



Page 32 



HON. THEODORE MacALISTER. 



I knew John Burns, and, along with other 
half grown boys of the town and vicinity, an- 
noyed him frequently when he was acting as a 
guardian of the peace. He had his peculiarities 
— nearly all men have. Now his eccentricities 
are almost forgotten, and he will always be re- 
membered as a patriot. Twice he tried to enlist 
in the service of his country but was rejected 
for the reason that he was too old. When he did 
have a chance to fight for the perpetuity of the 
Union he did not hesitate, but faced the enemy 
heroically until he was wounded in several places. 
I am glad to say that I did as much as any one to 
place the granite monument over his grave. We 
raised all the funds we could from the member- 
ship of our Post of the G. A. R. ; then I solicited 
subscriptions from some of our citizens, and al- 
though not receiving the amount we wished to 
collect I was greeted kindly, until I interested one 
of our comparatively rich citizens. He laughed 
me to scorn, and said, "I can't give anything for 
this purpose. Why, I knew old John Burns. He 
was a very peculiar old fellow." Then I quietly 
remarked to him, "Yes, nearly everyone has some 

Page 33 



peculiarities. Some few of our people said many 
peculiar things about all those who were battling 
manfully for an everlasting union and for uni- 
versal freedom. But this old hero's peculiarity 
led him to seize his musket and fight valiantly f or 
this righteous cause until he fell wounded." 

I folded up my paper and added this remark : 
"I thought, perhaps, since you have grown very 
old you might wish to perform this one small 
patriotic deed before you go hence." Then he 
would have chipped in, but I declined to tarry 
any longer. 

I was not present to hear Lincoln deliver the 
greatest brief address ever uttered in our lan- 
guage, because I had a previous engagement far 
up the Shenandoah Valley. I have heard highly 
educated men say who did hear him that it made 
no impression upon them. 

When I secured a newspaper containing his 
address, I retired to my quiet nook in the grove 
in which we were encamped and there and then 
read and re-read it until committed to memory 
— and then recited it to a squad of my comrades 
— and this was my comment then and has never 
changed since: "Magnificent, but not flawless", 
for in that address he says, "what was said there 
and then would soon be forgotten". And this 
classic of his will never die. 

Page 34 



Oh, yes, I met Lincoln. After the sanguinary 
battle of Antietam. Our command, the 1st Bat- 
talion of Maryland Cavalry, fell back to Fred- 
erick City, Md., to recruit our depleted ranks, as 
we did twice afterwards, before the end came. A 
small detachment of this command was ordered to 
Point of Rocks on the Potomac, and on returning 
our commanding officer, Lieut. H. S. MacNair, 
stopped on entering Frederick, to talk to some 
friends. We moved on up Market street towards 
camp. President Lincoln had visited the battle- 
field of Antietam. We saw another small detach- 
ment file out of Patrick street and approach us. 
When we met at the depot we recognized Lincoln. 
He and several others dismounted, and all entered 
the train there waiting except the President, who 
remained upon the rear platform and we without 
an officer swung into line facing him within a 
rod, with heads uncovered. Standing upon that 
platform we saw the saddest countenance and 
the most careworn looking man we had ever 
looked upon. But he straightened up his giant 
form and with a more cheerful expression, wip- 
ing out as it were some of the wrinkles of care 
from his face spoke thus to us : 

"Comrades", you can hardly imagine what a 
thrill passed through our hearts when he uttered 
this single word, coming as it did from the Presi- 

Page 35 



dent and Commander-in-Chief of all our armies. 
"Comrades, my heart has felt like bursting 
asunder at the saddest of all sights which I ever 
beheld, in the valleys over yonder mountains. 
But your friend and my friend. Major Steiner, 
cheered me up somewhat by just now telling me 
of the heroic service you and your command have 
so recently performed. This train will now move. 
I cannot talk to you further. I can only shake 
hands with this comrade for you all, and thank 
you, and say (iod bless and keep each one of 
you." 

And then and there 1 felt the grip of that 
mighty hand which thrilled me like an electric 
shock. In my young manhood I sometimes felt 
ashamed of these brawny hands, but never since 
this one was covered all over by the hand of the 
man whose memory now all men delight to honor. 

Fellow countrymen, I have since been called 
upon to pass through many fearful and trying 
scenes on bloody battlefields; on the starving 
slopes of Andersonville ; in life and death strug- 
gles with the Red Men of the northern plains, 
after the war was over ; through trials and temp- 
tations which required a still higher type of cour- 
age to resist, but that grip nerved my arm, and 
steeled my heart, and will ( God helping me) keep 

Page 36 



me true, and these hands clean until the sods 
will now soon cover them. 

Oh 'twer worth ten years of mortal strife 
To feel that grasp, and cheer his burdened life. 

The train moved off, and as I again fell into 
my position at the head of that small line, I saw 
great tears on the bronzed cheeks of those com- 
rades, and as we were wheeled into column the 
one who rode at my side, Martin L. Diehl, one of 
the very bravest boys of this old Battalion, said 
with quavering voice, not in a spirit of profanity, 
"My God, I would charge into the gates of hell 
for that man." This soldier was not with Lincoln 
politically but in patriotic loyalty a true brother. 
I only repeat this expression of my comrade to 
illustrate the wonderful influence this most illus- 
trious character of the Nineteenth century had 
over men. Some men talk with their mouths. 
This man's heart was in all he said, and his chief 
characteristic was his unfaltering, steadfast hon- 
esty. Oh, what a millenial wave would roll 
across this now mighty nation if all the millions 
of our people would follow in his footsteps and 
highly resolve to dedicate themselves to this noble 
proposition — to live henceforth honestly in 
thought, word and deed. 

The generation who knew him, Freedom's 

Page 17 



Martyr, and especially those who responded to 
his call for defenders in that darkest period of 
our national history, are fast falling out of the 
ranks of mortality. Our once full ranks would 
now make but a tottering skirmish line. Oh, that 
we may all close our earthly career worthy to 
clasp the hand of our country's Great Heart over 
on the shining shore. 

For yet a little while longer let us "quit our- 
selves like men, be strong for the right" as God 
gives us to see the right. True to ourselves, to 
our neighbors, to our country, and to our God. 
Then it will be ours to share in the far greater 
privilege, honor and glory of meeting and wor- 
shiping face to face, that other still more glori- 
ous Martyr for our redemption on the eternal 
camping grounds, and as we go halting down to 
the brink of the river, may our last song be to the 
dear Old Flag : 

"Wave on old Glory — wave on till the day 

When earth's last oppressor lies under the sod, 
Then fade like the stars of the morning away, 
In the glorious light of the kingdom of God." 

And may our last prayer with fleeting breath 
be : Oh, thou Almighty Commander of the Uni- 
verse, hasten the day when all our millions of 
people will joyfully own and acknowledge The 
Prince of Peace, King of the crownless land. 

Page 38 



W. A. MacILHENNY. 



What I have to say is not very interesting to 
anyone but in the first place I always felt proud 
of the fact that I cast my first vote for Abraham 
Lincoln for President of the United States. I 
also had the pleasure of shaking his hand on two 
occasions. The next morning after Col. Miles, 
commanding at Harpers' Ferry, decided to sur- 
render, the cavalry force at that place asked 
permission to make an attempt to make 
their way out at night before the surrender. He 
reluctantly gave his consent. We got out without 
losing a man and captured a Confederate wagon 
train of sixty-five wagons loaded with ammuni- 
tion. Our Battalion was ordered to take the 
wagon train to Chambersburg. Next day the 
battle of Antietam was fought. We were then 
ordered to Frederick City, Md., where our 
Colonel was made Provost Marshal. It is said 
that Mr. Lincoln was very anxious for the suc- 
cess of our army at Antietam and went down on 
his knees and offered up a prayer to God, our 
Great Commander for the success of our arms, 
and that he made a vow that if God gave us vic- 
tory he would issue his proclamation for the 

Page 39 



emancipation of slaves in the rebellious States. 
Mr. Lincoln determined to visit General McClel- 
lan to learn the completeness of the victory. One 
day I was walking up the main street of Frederick 
City and looking out the street I saw two men 
riding on horseback, followed by a great crowd 
of shouting citizens. When they drew closer I 
found it was Mr. Lincoln and Gen. McClellan. 
We all knew that Mr. Lincoln was always 
anxious to grasp the hand of the humblest private 
in his army. I ran out in the street and reached 
up my hand and shook hands with him. I think 
I yet can feel the grip of those long bony fingers. 
About the 1st of November, 1863, our Bat- 
talion had a little difficulty with the Rebel Gen- 
eral Imboden's forces up the Shenandoah Val- 
ley and I happened to be in the direction that 
one of his men wanted to shoot and I received 
a musket ball through my right shoulder. I 
always thought that fellow didn't care whether 
he killed me or not, but I was thankful that I 
got off as well as I did. After laying in the 
hospital for a few days I applied for a furlough 
until I was tit for duty again consequently I was 
at home when Air. Lincoln delivered his memor- 
able speech. You know when we enlisted in 1861 
we were all young men, from 18 to 22 years of 
age, and besides leaving our fathers and mothers, 

Paze 10 



sisters and brothers, we all had our sweethearts 
at home. Of course, everbody wanted to attend 
the dedication of the National Cemetery and very 
naturally I wanted to bring my best girl to this 
great event. She and my sister and I shook 
hands with Mr. Lincoln and Gov. Curtin in the 
Wills house where they were holding a reception. 
(This best girl that I speak of is now Airs. 
Macllhenny). I had my right hand in a sling at 
the time and of course, had to give the President 
my left hand. I felt a little like thanking that 
rebel that shot me for giving me this opportunity 
of meeting this great man. I afterwards saw him 
and heard him deliver his speech in the National 
Cemetery. Mr. Lincoln and his speech will never 
be obliterated from the memory of the American 
people. 

I remember Mr. John Burns very well and 
saw him many times, but was not so intimately 
acquainted with him as some others were. 




Page II 



JOHN E. PITZER. 



John E. Pitzer remembered his first sight of 
John Burns when eight years old and he met him 
at the Black Horse Tavern. Mr. Pitzer said : 

John Burns deserved to be known as the Hero 
of Gettysburg. He shouldered his old flint-lock 
musket and followed Col. Langhorn Wistars 
150th Pa. Regiment and as the regiment was 
nearing the line of battle some of the boys notic- 
ing Burns following and not knowing what he 
might be after called the Colonel's attention to 
him. The Colonel turned and to him said : ''Old 
man, where are you going?" His reply was: "I 
came out to help fight the Rebels." He sized him 
up and said : "Why, you have no ammunition to 
fight with that gun." "Oh, yes," he said, and 
placing his hand upon his pocket, said he had bul- 
lets in there. The arrangement for the powder 
was a large cow horn with a cord tied at each 
end of it, and hung on his shoulder. This made 
him a peculiar looking soldier, and no doubt was 
quite an attraction. The Colonel advised him to 
go over into the woods as it would not be so 
dangerous there. His reply was : "Well, I sup- 
pose if you fellows can stay here I can too." Then 

Page 42 



he went to the left of the regiment between the 
MaePherson building and the woods and there 
fought till the line retired to the ridge east of the 
buildings. Then he advanced in the woods to 
the Seventh Wisconsin, Col. Robinson's regi*- 
ment, and there fought until he was wounded 
in three places. His wounds were not serious, 
and he lived till 1872. His monument says he 
was born 1794 and died 1872. The tree stands 
just east of the regimental monument that has a 
knot on it about two feet up from the ground 
which he fought behind until he was wounded 
in three places, and which he set his old flint 
lock musket against when his ammunition became 
exhausted. The Seventh Wisconsin boys fur- 
nished him a gun of one of their boys that had 
been wounded and carried off the field, and with 
that he fought until wounded. 

The old flint lock musket can be seen in the 
Capitol at Harrisburg. 

JOHN E. PITZER, 
Color Sergt., 165th Pa. Regt. 
Member of Post 9, G. A. R., Gettysburg, Pa. 



Page 43 



miss agnes Mccreary. 



The vocal music at the dedication of the Na- 
tional Cemetery was furnished by the Patriotic 
Glee Club of Baltimore, Mr. Wilson Horner, 
leader. The club came on the evening of the 
18th of November, 1863, and the town was so 
full of strangers that they couldn't find a place to 
lodge so Mr. Horner brought the whole club to 
our house, the home where Mr. Tipton has his 
photograph gallery. That was my father's 
house, and that is where we lived. We furnished 
them breakfast next morning. They slept on the 
floor of the parlor; had comforts and pillows for 
beds. The family slept on the third story that 
night. 

Mr. Horner, leader of the Glee Club, held a 
small U. S. flag in his hand, and waved it to keep 
time to the music. After the exercises at the 
dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery he 
handed me the flag, because we entertained him. 

Mr. Lincoln rode on horseback, on his return 
to the Wills home. I went up Baltimore street 
with my father to see the President, Abraham 
Lincoln. Father touched his cadet cap to Lin- 
coln; he wore the cap because he was a militia 

Page 44 




PHOTO BY TIPTON, GETTYSBURG, PA. 



DETAIL AT THE SPEECH MEMORIAL 
Gettysburg, Pa. 

colonel. Lincoln bowed and smiled. He did not 
look melancholy. So many say he looked sad, 
but he did not look sad when he bowed and 
smiled to me and father. 



Page 45 



I have had this flag in my possession for fifty- 
one years. Mr. Horner, leader of the club, has 
since died. The flag he presented to me is of 
priceless and precious memory and shall remain 
in my possession as long as I live. 

At the conclusion of exercises the audience 
sang the doxology and Dr. E. A. Wagner de- 
livered the benediction. 

As the congregation passed out of the church, 
they gathered in front of the edifice and James B. 
Aumen acting for Col. E. B. Cope, the donor, un- 
veiled the Lincoln Tablet on front of the church. 



1 



j 



ABRAHAM El" 

OCCUPIED A 

IN THIS CHU! 

NOVEMBER 19 !8S 
ON THE DAY HE DEt 
THE NATIONAL CEMETE, 
MADE HIS IMMORTAL-ADDRESS 



* * **** 



PHOTO BY TIPTON, GETTYSBURG, PA. 



Page 46 



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